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09 January 2023 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Supplied
Antoinette Louw
Well-known actress and UFS alumna Antoinette Louw won the ‘Best Actress’ award at the European International Film Festival for her role as Rachel in the locally produced film, The Fragile King. Louw graduated cum laude from the University of the Free State Department of Drama in 1996.
Renowned actress Antoinette Louw, an alumna of the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, was recently announced ‘Best Actress’ at the European International Film Festival. She achieved this award for her role as Rachel in the film The Fragile King. Louw is known – among many other characters – for portraying Sara in the 2019 film Die Storie van Racheltjie de Beer (The story of Racheltjie de Beer) and as Inge van Schalkwyk, owner of the boutique in the soap opera 7de Laan. 

Louw, one of seven nominees, says receiving this news six days before Christmas (in 2022) from the film’s producer, Cati Weinek, came as a huge surprise – especially since she was unaware that the film was being shown at the festival.
Although Louw feels ecstatic and humbled after receiving the prize, she says art and judgment thereof remains subjective. “Unlike sports, the arts don’t have winners or losers. Being awarded doesn’t make me better than any of the others (nominees), because the decision is based on the judges’ subjective opinions.”

Telling South African stories

Louw, who has several awards under her belt, did extensive research to portray Rachel, a character struggling with addiction. “The biggest challenge with any role is to honour the story and to remain truthful and in the moment.” The Fragile King – which was filmed over six weeks in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, and North West – is about “lost dreams and people, broken relationships, and loss that reunites people against their will. Although I haven’t seen the film yet, the story is universal.”

She says that when comparing local talent to their international counterparts, South Africa has the same talent. "Financially, however, there is no comparison, as money buys time for better quality productions." Yet, she realises that the grass is not necessarily greener abroad. “I love my country. I am privileged to work here and to be part of our unique stories. Sure, actors get better paid (there) and receive more status, but that’s not what life is about.”

A proud UFS alumna

Replying to why she thinks several former drama students of the UFS are excelling in the arts, she says it is because “we are Free Staters. Our feet are firmly on the ground, and we work hard”. Louw, who received her acting degree cum laude in 1996, was awarded several accolades during her student years. Looking back on her student years, she will never forget the ‘legendary’ year-end parties in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts. “En verder bly ek tjoepstil!” (Other than that, I won’t say a thing) she laughs.

News Archive

Open Day attracts thousands
2012-05-02

 

Campus was abuzz with prospective students and their parents finding out what Kovsies has to offer.
Photo: Kaleidoscope Studios
1 May 2012

“It is easier to pass Grade 12 today because we don’t have a standard. However, at the University of the Free State, standards are important.”

This was Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS’ message when he addressed a packed Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus during this year’s Open Day.

“This university is the jewel of the country. Here at Kovsies we take academic standards seriously. You must know who you are in a place where academic standards are extremely important. Anyone can obtain a degree, but here you can get more than a degree. You get an education,” he said to the more than 5 000 learners and parents from across the country.

“It is not only important that you study here in South Africa, but also in other countries. That is why our students study all over the world. You must think out of your comfort zone, have a big heart, achieve great heights and show everyone that you are a Kovsie.

But, it is not all about studying – it is also about being human and reaching out to others. When you come to this university, you will also do other things that will make you proud of being a Kovsie.

Quality looks for quality. Therefore, work hard and study hard because you need to be at a good university,” he said.

The programme consisted of, among others, a spectacular laser show, a performance by Bobby van Jaarsveld and special messages from DW Bester and Sannah Mokone, Rhodes Scholars currently studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

In a pre-recorded message DW, a Ph.D. student in Mathematical Statistics, encouraged prospective students to work hard and persevere. Sannah, doing a Master’s degree in African Studies, said she believes in the future of the African continent. “I believe in our future students and know you can make it.”

Prof. Jansen also introduced some of the university’s recent student achievers such as Jurie Swart, regional winner of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award; Farzana Samuel, named by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) as the most outstanding student in quantity surveying for 2012; and Sibusiso Tshabalala, one of Google’s Top 10 Young Minds.

Richard Chemaly, President of the Central Student Representative Council (CSRC), said that, by coming to Kovsies, prospective students would become the best person they can be. “We have over 70 student organisations to help you take part in student life activities. So, make use of these opportunities,” he said.

The programme concluded with an introduction to the seven faculties by the respective deans.

The estimated 7 000 prospective students and their parents also had the opportunity to visit faculties and the stalls of residences.
 

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